Paola Ogechi Egonu of Italy in action during the Group C women's volleyball match between Italy and Turkey at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
BREAKING NEWS: Italian Volleyball Champion Paola Egonu Ann…..
Italian volleyball sensation Paola Egonu has officially announced her retirement from the national team, citing ongoing racial abuse as the driving factor. Egonu, widely regarded as one of the best volleyball players in the world, has faced repeated instances of racism, both in-person and on social media, particularly after Italy’s performances in major tournaments.
In 2022, she took a temporary break from the team after publicly sharing the emotional toll of racist comments, including people questioning her Italian identity. Although she returned to the national squad in 2024, leading Italy to more success, the continued discriminatory attacks have led her to this difficult decision.
Egonu’s retirement has sparked widespread reactions, with figures across Italy condemning the racism that contributed to her decision, and many lamenting the loss of such an exceptional athlete from the national stage.
